The flavours of Wallonia

And history has played a part in it too. Occupiers from every nation (Gauls, Romans, Spaniards, Burgundians, Germans, etc), along with immigrant labourers who mostly came to work in the mines, have all left their mark on the region. Their traditional dishes and drinks, adapted to suit the local terrain, have been incorporated into Belgian cuisine and reinvented.

To taste the food and drink of Wallonia is to understand its terrain: to return to our multiple and varied roots and origins.

A journey through the flavours of Wallonia

Here’s a selection of regional products that will take you on a journey through the flavours of Wallonia:

Beer, because Wallonia is one of the regions of the world which has the widest variety of beers.

Chocolate, with the great Walloon names which have become ambassadors abroad, such as Galler, Darcis and Edouard.

Fries – Wallonia produces numerous varieties of potato, which you can taste at its legendary frites (fries) stalls ­­– a must for every visitor.

Waffles, represented in Wallonia by the famous Liège waffle (not to be confused with the Brussels waffle).

Cheeses, each more tasty than the last, with varieties to rival those produced in France.

Salted meats from the Ardennes, such as Ardennes ham, which has a long-established reputation.

Water, known and appreciated for its health benefits, sourced and bottled in places like Spa and Chaudfontaine.

Sweet treats – from macaroons to pastries, there’s something for everyone with a sweet tooth.